A group of artists have completed a unique public art project to create a temporary mural at the northeast corner of Pitt and Second Streets.

Local artists, entrepreneurs and “Walldog” artists from across Canada and the U.S. painted a seven-foot high mural around the 260-foot perimeter of the Dominion Place construction site.

The mural features a streetscape of colourful store facades, and it will be removed once the Dominion Place project is completed.

The project was spearheaded by Heart of the City and the Centretown Cornwall revitalization project. The project was managed by well-known artist Noella Cotnam of Sign It Signs and entrepreneur Keitha Fisher.

“Along with showcasing local artists, this mural will add a unique visual element to the Downtown while the Dominion Place development is completed,” said Councillor Denis Carr, who heads up Heart of the City.

“It also builds on the recently-completed Centretown Streetscape Report which speaks to the need to make the Downtown and Le Village areas more appealing and inviting.”

Chris Markell, Vice-President of R.J. Bourgon & Associates Ltd., welcomed the opportunity to support the creative initiative as planning work on Phase 2 of the Dominion Place development progresses.

“This project celebrates local arts and culture and will serve as colourful protective hoarding when construction resumes,” said Mr. Markell.

“I think it’s an excellent project,” added Ron Chenier, President, Place Dominion Place Inc. “No one is as anxious as I am to undertake Phase 2 and while work continues on that front, this is an excellent way to beautify the corner.”

“We invite everyone to come down and check it out. It creates positive energy for the artists,” said Ms. Cotnam.

Along with Nancy Beaudette, Ms. Cotnam was a key figure in the 2001 Walldog Jam mural project in Cornwall, and she has recruited many of the same artists to assist with this upcoming project. More than a dozen artists will be arriving in Cornwall from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Niagara Falls, Toronto, Quebec and numerous other locations. They will be joined by local artists and entrepreneurs such as Tracy-Lynn Chisholm, Anne Wylemans, Chelsea Hope, Angela Youngs, Keitha Fisher, Jocelyn Nicholson and many more.

“We’re excited to be doing a project such as this, right in the heart of our city,” added Ms. Cotnam.